‘Real Housewives’ Stars Ask for Separate Trials

Two of the stars of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” have asked for separate trials in their legal battles. People magazine reports that the request was made by Teresa and Joe Giudice, who are facing up to 50 years in jail for 41 counts of fraud, including loan and bankruptcy fraud.

“In the court documents, Joe maintains that Teresa had no knowledge or involvement in any criminal activity, but will only testify to that fact if the request for separate trials is granted,” the story reports.

The documents note, “Should the trials be severed, Mr. Giudice has affirmed his willingness to testify as to Teresa’s involvement in the alleged criminal activity. He would be unable to do so in a joint trial wherein his Fifth Amendment rights are invoked."

There’s no confirmation of whether the trials will be separate, the story adds.